The going green movement encourages people to adopt a more environmentally friendly way of living. One of the easiest and least expensive ways to do so is to clean your house naturally, rather than using harsh chemical cleaners. Natural cleaning is healthier for you, your family and the environment. If you're interested in learning how to clean your house naturally, chances are you already have everything you need to get started.
Bathroom Cleaners
There are a number of products you can use to clean your bathroom surfaces naturally. The Good Human website recommends combining 2 ounces of Borax and 1 cup of white vinegar to get rid of mold in your tub or shower. You can also soak your showerhead in vinegar to remove any clogs or mildew. Lemon juice or white vinegar can also be used to scrub toilet stains. You can also make a paste of baking soda, water and kosher salt to scrub surfaces.
In the Kitchen
Baking soda and water can also be used to clean countertops and stainless steel appliances or remove stains from kitchen surfaces. Add 1/4 cup of salt to baking soda and water to create a non-toxic oven cleaner. Eartheasy.com recommends making your own disinfectant using 2 teaspoons of Borax, 4 tablespoons of white vinegar and 3 cups of hot water. Mix it together in a spray bottle for added convenience. Slice a lemon and use it to disinfect your chopping block. When you're done, grind the lemon in the garbage disposal to disinfect and eliminate odors.
Carpeting and Floors
There are a number of ways to clean carpets and flooring, regardless of what type of material they're made of. For vinyl and linoleum, Eartheasy recommends mixing 1 cup of vinegar with a few drops of baby oil in a gallon of warm water. Add 1/4 cup of Borax for extra-tough jobs. For brick and stone flooring, use the vinegar and water only. White vinegar and warm water can be used to freshen and spot-clean carpets. For tough stains, combine 1/4 cup each of salt, Borax and vinegar. Mix until it becomes a paste and apply to the stain. Let dry and then vacuum.
Glass Surfaces
If your home has a lot of windows or mirrors, all you need to keep them clean is white vinegar, water and some old newspapers. Mix 2 tablespoons of white vinegar with a gallon of water in a spray bottle. Use crumpled newspapers for a spot-free finish. If you don't like the smell of vinegar, TheDailyGreen.com recommends substituting club soda or lemon juice instead.
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